3 things to know about virtual reality in gastroenterology

There is a growing body of evidence for using virtual reality technology when treating disorders of the GI tract, according to research presented at the American Gastroenterological Association Tech Summit held this month in San Francisco.

Key details:

1. Conditions such as eating disorders and irritable bowel syndrome lend themselves to treatment through VR due to the well-established brain-gut connection. Brennan Spiegel, MD, director of health services research for Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said VR can help patients engage with their bodies differently and form better coping mechanisms when reacting to symptoms.

2. Pain management is a benefit of VR, which helps patients avoid taking opioids and analgesics.

3. Some patients are reluctant to try VR. Patients prone to motion sickness may not react well to the 3D environment created by VR.